LEEDS UNITED 0

PRESTON NORTH END 0

LEEDS United failed to make a one man advantage pay as they were held to a goalless draw at home to Preston.

The visitors played the last 30 minutes with 10 men after Ben Pearson was sent off for a second bookable offence.

It swung the course of the game as the Yorkshiremen dominated the closing stages in front of a sell-out crowd. But despite their possession Leeds were unable to make it count, with Chris Wood missing a number of good chances.

Until the red card came the visitors had enjoyed the better of the chances and perhaps should have given themselves a lead to defend.

Tom Barkhuizen failed to make the most of a great back-post chance, but Leeds had shouts for a penalty turned away soon after following Ezgjan Alioski’s shot.

Leeds then almost shot themselves in the foot when Jordan Hugill stole the ball off Pontus Jansson but a superb Luke Ayling block saved his side.

Alan Browne had an effort saved by Felix Wiedwald after the restart following good play again from Hugill, with Tommy Spurr and Greg Cunningham both spurning chances as Preston threatened.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Pearson was given a second yellow card for pulling back Kalvin Phillips on 60 minutes.

Leeds should have made that count minutes later, but Wood headed over when well placed and he missed another chance as his volley went wide.

The hosts continued to hunt for that elusive goal, but found Preston goalkeeper Chris Maxwell in inspired form as the shot- stopper denied Wood, Stuart Dallas and Javier Hernandez to ensure a share of the spoils for Alex Neil’s men.